To me, Christmastime is one of the most uplifting times of the year. Although I’m not a Christian, I revel in the spirit of love and joy this season brings. For me, it’s a time to embrace the goodness that abounds. I would like to share a most wonderful story, which proves to me that there is more good than bad is this sometimes trying world.

Several months ago, my family was blessed with the kind heart of a Staten Island angel. To begin, my dad, in early stages of Alzheimer’s went missing for two days from the central Jersey area. My family was frantic. A silver alert was quickly implemented, but to no immediate avail.

After our second sleepless night, we got up one morning to the phone ringing. My dad, who doesn’t own a cell phone, was on the other end. He wound up in Staten Island and was helped by a special man. Mr. Adam Maher, who was opening his business, Live Poultry Market on Port Richmond Avenue, saw my dad on the street and knew something was wrong. Mr. Maher, befriended my dad and got him to call home.

My strong-willed father wouldn’t let us come get him, and started to leave. Mr. Maher made sure my dad was safely on his way. Not only did he give him gas money, he also gave him a copy of the Quran.

As far as I’m concerned, there are angels who walk the Earth. My family is eternally grateful for our angel, Mr. Maher.